Will the Real Local Pastors Please Stand Up?

It seems with every passing season another high-profile pastor falls from their ministry position. Sadly, I’ve come to expect it. I should probably grieve more. I should certainly pray more. Nonetheless, I don’t believe hell loses ground by simply adding more popular or hip leaders to the church. What the church really needs are servants who tremble at God’s word. We need shepherds who value others above themselves and live for the renown of Jesus, not their own platforms or appetites.

Will the real local pastors please stand up?

We sheep do not need to be entertained any longer. We need to be led to the cross. We sheep do not need a clever word from a charismatic pastor. We need to see what death looks like. Death of self-centeredness. Death of the idol named fame and influence. Death of sin. Death of the business mindset within the church and Christianity.

We need more pastors who tremble at God’s word—those who are not afraid to teach the truth of Scripture regardless of the cultural narrative. We need pastors who open their Bibles with awe because they long to hear from God.

Will the real local pastors please stand up?

We are not concerned about growing a brand of Christianity. We are concerned about the numerous wolves who seek to devour our life, faith, and family.

We need more pastors who are willing to take risks for the kingdom—men who are not afraid to punch Satan in the mouth when he sticks his ugly head out of the gates of hell.

We need more pastors who know what it means to display strength through weakness—brothers who are not afraid to cry with a dying sheep or mourn for a dying marriage.

Will the real local pastors please stand up?

We need more pastors who live for the renown of Jesus and die to their self-image. Instead of reminding us of the great things their organization is doing, these pastors should remind us of the marvelous things Jesus has already done.

Will the real local pastors please stand up?

We need more pastors who value others above themselves. We need leaders who do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3).

We don’t really need larger or more influential churches. Broken and messy churches work just fine if they confidently proclaim the cross as victory. Perhaps all we need is a flock who, through the daily dying of their local pastor, stand amazed at the reality of their Shepherd, who died and rose to life for the victory of his beloved.

I repeat. Will the real local pastors please stand up?

No more gimmicks. No more fads. No more chasing the latest ministry trends. Simply present Jesus crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sinners everywhere.

If you’re out there, please stand up. For all the ones who have been standing, consider these words a standing ovation.